The European Commission has published its 2023 Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI) package to help improve cross-border rail services in Europe.
This move aims to harmonise international standards while also paving the way for the efficient rollout of new technologies.
By eliminating 25 different sets of national rules, the TSIs will reduce the complexity of international rail travel across the EU. This will also lower the basic cost of rail operations to improve affordability.
National rules often force trains to stop at borders to change crews and locomotives that are not certified for the next nation’s requirements. To avoid this unnecessary use of time and resources, the revised TSIs will harmonise current technical standards.
The revised standards align with Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) guidelines and introduce a common framework for the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS).
They also promote combined transport by granting more flexibility for intermodal operators.
Importantly, the revised requirements also reflect recent technological developments to help introduce rail innovation in a consistent manner. This includes automatic train operations over ERTMS, as well as digitalised technical and operating information for train drivers and rail staff.
The revised TSIs will enter into effect on 28 September 2023.
